The Carolina Hurricanes took measures to shore up the defensive end with a pair of free-agent signings Friday.

By bringing on veteran defenseman Mike Komisarek and goalie Anton Khudobin they figure to have added to players who’ll be comfortable in complementary roles.

While the opening day of free agency passed without the Hurricanes making a big splash, they addressed a couple of areas that have been viewed as trouble spots.

Komisarek took a one-year deal for $700,000, while Khudobin will be paid $800,000 to be the primary backup to Cam Ward. Khudobin fills the void left with the departure of Dan Ellis, who signed a more lucrative free-agent deal with the Dallas Stars.

Komisarek, 31, played only four games last season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, spending most of his time in the minor leagues. He’s also far removed from the 2006-07 season when he posted career highs with four goals and 15 assists with the Montreal Canadiens.

He was Montreal’s first-round draft selection in 2001, so he has been in hockey hotbeds.

“(This will be) a breath of fresh air,” he said. “I’ve been in those hockey markets. … (It will be good) to get out of the microscope every day.’

Komisarek, a starter in the 2009 NHL All-Star Game, said he expects to be better off without as much daily pressure. With 14 career goals in 519 games, his biggest asset should be evident in the defensive end.

“Mike faced different circumstances and expectations in Toronto than he will in Carolina, and we feel that he has a better chance to succeed with our team,” Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said, calling the 6-foot-4, 235-pound player capable of being a physical force and stout penalty killer.

Toronto bought out the final year of a five-year, $22.5 million contract, making him a free agent. He played two seasons of college hockey for Michigan before turning pro.

Komisarek, who was picked for the 2010 U.S. Olympic team but didn’t participate because of an injury, said it’s a good situation.

“You look at teams. You look at spots. You look at markets,” Komisarek said, “where you think will be a good fit for you. Carolina definitely seemed to be that place for me.

“You try to be part of the answer. … I look forward to kind of quietly come in and contribute in any way I can.”

He’s familiar with Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller, who was an assistant coach for the Canadiens when Komisarek played there.

Khudobin, 27, gives the Hurricanes another option in the nets after playing in 14 games with the Stanley Cup runner-up Boston Bruins. He notched a 9-4-1 record and .920 save percentage in the NHL after playing in the Kontinental Hockey League during the NHL work stoppage.

Page 2 of 2 - The Hurricanes continue to have Justin Peters under contract, so he figures to compete with Khudobin, who began his NHL career with the Minnesota Wild, for the backup role.